Continued from Previous Post.

Heading to my room, I was wondering how it would turn out. That concern disappeared the moment I stepped into the room. Elegant and spacious, well furnished, with wooden flooring, and the right ambient lighting, it was just the room one would want to crash into at the end of a tiring journey.

View of the room - Studio apartment

Kiruba tells me that the studio apartment was much beyond his expectations. I had booked studio apartments for the trip, and this was the smallest format of a Club Mahindra accommodation. But certainly not small! Its good enough for 2 adults and a child!. It even has a wide balcony that opens up into a magnificent view!

I was told by Jayant John (the front office manager) that there were local Kodagu performers (dancers and musicians), that were arranged for us and they were waiting for us to assemble. The performers were waiting for us since 7 and it was past 9 PM when we arrived at the resort. We had to freshen up quickly and assemble at the hall.

Frankly, I was tired and wanted some rest, but then I was also very hungry and I was told that an elaborate buffet waited us …yum, who was I to resist that

At the hall, most of us had assembled and then it was the turn of our guide for the trip to show up. Enter Joy E. Patel, the enthusiastic, cheerful fellow who was assigned to our trip. He is a Malayali (read Sudhir’s humorous post on how he got Patel for his surname) with a good command of the local lingos and an impressive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, we would learn later.

“Deep Joy”

After an interesting self introduction, Joy proceeded to introduce the local Kodagu performers. Legend has it that the locals are Greek by descent, probably the Greek army men who stayed behind after Alexander retreat back to Greece. It is even possible that they mixed with the local population, and cross bred. It is interesting though that men of Coorg are known for their valiance and bravery, most notably Field Marshall K.M. Kariappa (the first Indian Chief-of-Staff).

The men arrived decked in their traditional attire. ‘Kupya’ or long, black, button less, short sleeved, V-neck coat, reaching below the knees and a silken sash, at the waist. The ‘peechekathi’ or dagger is tucked in the sash at the right side. The ‘Mande Thuni” or turban, is flat at the top with ‘jari’ all around.

The Coorg attire worn by Men

Women wear the sari in a distinct fashion where the pallu doesn’t go over the shoulder but goes around the back, over the right shoulder and a beautifully crafted pin on the right collarbone holds it in place.

The men soon started their dance, and it was a wonderful, well choreographed performance The sound of the swords and daggers clanking, and the rising tempo of the performance almost gave me the impression of a war cry. It was impressive. The women were equally impressive with their folk lore and dance performance.

Impressive Performance

All that performance almost had me forget about food, and we were all in for a pleasant surprise with the food arrangements. The banquet laid out was nothing short of a princely dinner, and we were spoilt for choice!

Famished? How about this! 

After the lavish dinner, and being equally impressed with the arrangements, it was now time to head back to our rooms and wake up at 7 AM next day and head for our first expedition - Talacauvery (the birth place of river Cauvery).

Until then it would be a repose in the lap of luxury, and a good night sleep.